We started Celebrate Recovery Boulder a year and a half ago and have encountered many misconceptions along the way. Below are 2 common myths about the program.
Myth #1: Celebrate Recovery is only for alcoholics and drug addicts.
Truth: Celebrate Recovery is for anyone with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. While we welcome those who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, the program is just as helpful for those who struggle in other areas. These areas include anger, co-dependency, food addiction, sexual addiction, and more. (See our Definitions of Sobriety for a more comprehensive list.) Our ministry provides the opportunity for anyone to gain healing in their life through God's grace. No struggle is too insignificant, or too large, for this grace.
Myth #2: Some struggles are meant to be kept private.
Truth: Step 5 says, We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step requires us to fully disclose our wrongs to somebody else, so that we can receive God's promise. James 5:15 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." There are guidelines for sharing struggles, such as finding someone you trust to keep what you share confidential. Those of us who have completed Step 5 can attest to the fact that a weight is lifted when a long-kept secret is shared. Recovery is not meant to be done alone! If you are hesitant to share your struggles, pray that the Lord would give you courage to do it.
If either of these two myths have kept you from attending Celebrate Recovery, we encourage you to put them aside and take the first step to healing! God is waiting to meet you here.
March 31, 2010
March 7, 2010
The Big Bad Fourth Step
Why is it we always seem to tremble at the thought of this fourth step process? Is it because we are at a turning point in the game of recovery? It seems pertinent to mention that at this juncture of a Step Study ( for those of you who are already involved or have been) most people who want to join are not allowed to do so. That is because the intimacy and the deep, dark secrets about ourselves will be revealed and people must have already been in prior soul searching to further the exploration at this point and time.
For those of you new to the Celebrate Recovery Twelve Step adventure, let me point out that after Steps one through three one should be ready to begin the self investigation which is so completely introspective and so thoroughly honest and essential. Although the premise can be extraordinarily revealing and almost a hurtful thing to pursue, the outcome is such a cleansing and rejuvenating experience for all that aspire to live through it.
Step Four states: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of
ourselves.
Principle Four reiterates in other words: Openly examine and confess my faults
to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
When I personally think of searching fearlessly the moral condition or deterioration of myself, I am flabbergasted at the prospect. I honestly know that I need to take serious quality time to do an inventory about myself. All good and bad aspects must be noted and taken into consideration. Remember, even though we can be " our own worst enemy", always reflect on the positive side of yourself as well. To step out of denial about certain personality flaws is a daunting process, but remember we are " works in progress" and can only strive to be perfect like our friend and brother Jesus Christ. To know Him is to love Him and to try to imitate the epitome of perfection contained within Christ is such a far reaching goal.
Knowing ones' past and (what seems to be unforgivable and insurmountable character traits) should not be dwelt on, but only understood so that God can change us into the creatures He longs for us to be. And as humans, we need each other to get through those analytical, self deprecating moments when all hope seems lost. That is why a sponsor and accountability partners are almost mandatory to a successful support system in and around you. Meeting regularly with the same folks has a comforting feel about it and is crucial to your recovery. God knows, we need encouragement from each other on a daily basis.
Sharing our secrets, struggles, and failures with another is part of God's plan of our healing process. He does not want our road to recovery to be walked alone.
That is why confession to ourselves first, then to God, and then to someone you trust is absolutely crucial to rehabilitating our stinkin' thinkin'. When God leads us into CR, we are in for the ride of our lives. Confessing our own shortcomings, resentments and sins is a profound task which takes every ounce of our moral energies. But the CR environment lends an ambiance of care, support, encouragement and love to ease the pain of having to do that Fourth Step. How refreshing to be able to share the love of Jesus and His beautiful understanding mind while in the midst of sometimes painful self discovery.
Remember, being pure in heart means being happy. Confession to each other, and for each other, is a remarkable healing process.
For those of you new to the Celebrate Recovery Twelve Step adventure, let me point out that after Steps one through three one should be ready to begin the self investigation which is so completely introspective and so thoroughly honest and essential. Although the premise can be extraordinarily revealing and almost a hurtful thing to pursue, the outcome is such a cleansing and rejuvenating experience for all that aspire to live through it.Step Four states: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of
ourselves.
Principle Four reiterates in other words: Openly examine and confess my faults
to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
When I personally think of searching fearlessly the moral condition or deterioration of myself, I am flabbergasted at the prospect. I honestly know that I need to take serious quality time to do an inventory about myself. All good and bad aspects must be noted and taken into consideration. Remember, even though we can be " our own worst enemy", always reflect on the positive side of yourself as well. To step out of denial about certain personality flaws is a daunting process, but remember we are " works in progress" and can only strive to be perfect like our friend and brother Jesus Christ. To know Him is to love Him and to try to imitate the epitome of perfection contained within Christ is such a far reaching goal.
Knowing ones' past and (what seems to be unforgivable and insurmountable character traits) should not be dwelt on, but only understood so that God can change us into the creatures He longs for us to be. And as humans, we need each other to get through those analytical, self deprecating moments when all hope seems lost. That is why a sponsor and accountability partners are almost mandatory to a successful support system in and around you. Meeting regularly with the same folks has a comforting feel about it and is crucial to your recovery. God knows, we need encouragement from each other on a daily basis.
Sharing our secrets, struggles, and failures with another is part of God's plan of our healing process. He does not want our road to recovery to be walked alone.That is why confession to ourselves first, then to God, and then to someone you trust is absolutely crucial to rehabilitating our stinkin' thinkin'. When God leads us into CR, we are in for the ride of our lives. Confessing our own shortcomings, resentments and sins is a profound task which takes every ounce of our moral energies. But the CR environment lends an ambiance of care, support, encouragement and love to ease the pain of having to do that Fourth Step. How refreshing to be able to share the love of Jesus and His beautiful understanding mind while in the midst of sometimes painful self discovery.
Remember, being pure in heart means being happy. Confession to each other, and for each other, is a remarkable healing process.
The Joy is in the Journey...........
Written by: Mary Michele Skinner
February 9, 2010
Step Studies Begin Thursday, March 4th
We just completed our first Celebrate Recovery Boulder men's and women's step studies, and are gearing up for the next round. Both the men and women will be meeting Thursdays from 7-9pm beginning March 4, 2010.
Are you unsure about joining a step study? Here are three reasons why you should:
1. You will move through each step in depth.
Each step study participant is required to purchase the Celebrate Recovery Participants Guides, which include specific questions for each step. Participants answer these questions in writing and share them with their step study groups during each meeting. These questions will help you dig deep into your hurts, habits, and hang-ups and will focus your recovery efforts.
2. Step studies are a great place for accountability.
Step study participants often grow close together since they are actively meeting and working through tough life issues. Accountability partners are easy to find and in high demand within these groups. If you feel stuck in your recovery, or haven't built an accountability team for yourself, the step studies are a great place to find that support team.
3. Leaders are born in step studies.
Step 12 tells us, Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs. God provides this 'spiritual experience' through step studies, and primes participants for serving others. After completing the step study, you will have a working knowledge of the 12 steps and can potentially sponsor someone else or lead within the ministry.
We hope you take the time to pray about joining a step study. God does amazing things within these groups!
If you are interested in joining the step study, please call us at 303.499.5559 x 114 OR email us at crboulder@ gocornerstone.org
Are you unsure about joining a step study? Here are three reasons why you should:
Each step study participant is required to purchase the Celebrate Recovery Participants Guides, which include specific questions for each step. Participants answer these questions in writing and share them with their step study groups during each meeting. These questions will help you dig deep into your hurts, habits, and hang-ups and will focus your recovery efforts.
2. Step studies are a great place for accountability.
Step study participants often grow close together since they are actively meeting and working through tough life issues. Accountability partners are easy to find and in high demand within these groups. If you feel stuck in your recovery, or haven't built an accountability team for yourself, the step studies are a great place to find that support team.
3. Leaders are born in step studies.
Step 12 tells us, Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs. God provides this 'spiritual experience' through step studies, and primes participants for serving others. After completing the step study, you will have a working knowledge of the 12 steps and can potentially sponsor someone else or lead within the ministry.
We hope you take the time to pray about joining a step study. God does amazing things within these groups!
If you are interested in joining the step study, please call us at 303.499.5559 x 114 OR email us at crboulder@ gocornerstone.org
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